Good afternoon, Champions. I have noticed an increasing trend among development partners funding HIV programs to require that patient reach forms include not only ID numbers and age but also, in some cases, signatures. While I understand the need for accurate data collection, this approach raises concerns about client privacy. Collecting such sensitive information crosses a line, as it could compromise data safety and confidentiality, making clients more vulnerable to potential breaches or misuse of their personal information. Additionally, there is an ongoing push to identify more undiagnosed positives in the community, even though Botswana has already surpassed the 95% target of people living with HIV (PLHIV) being diagnosed. This focus seems increasingly misaligned with our current context, where a shift in priorities would be more effective. It is time to engage our funders in meaningful conversations about these shifting needs. We should now prioritize investments in programs desi...

The 2024 HIV Cure Pre-Conference at AIDS 2024, held today, 21 July 2024, in Munich, was a pivotal event that brought together leading experts and researchers from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements, ongoing challenges, and the future direction of HIV cure research. This pre-conference served as a critical platform for sharing insights into the scientific, structural, and global coordination efforts needed to push forward the ambitious goal of achieving a functional or complete cure for HIV. Keynote Presentation by Deborah Persaud The event began with a powerful keynote address by Dr. Deborah Persaud, who is recognized for her groundbreaking work in pediatric HIV cure research. Dr Persaud provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of HIV cure research, particularly focusing on Latency-Reversing Agents (LRAs) in clinical trials. She presented a detailed systematic review that highlighted the need for meticulously designed studies to determine the precise ...

  As Botswana navigates through its 2024-2025 activity year, a concerning trend has emerged that threatens the backbone of our community health initiatives—significant cuts in funding for government-supported community HIV projects. These cuts are not merely fiscal adjustments; they represent a deepening crisis affecting the livelihoods of numerous community health workers and, critically, the stability of support networks for people living with HIV (PLHIV). The reduction in funding has led to widespread job losses across civil society organisations (CSOs) which have been instrumental in managing these community projects. What is particularly alarming is the disproportionate impact these cuts have had on PLHIV who are employed within these sectors. Despite the critical roles they play in peer-to-peer HIV services, such as adherence counselling, there seems to be no concerted effort to prioritise their employment or involve them in leadership roles within AIDS programmes. This overs...

Clinical trials are crucial for advancing HIV treatment and prevention, offering vital insights that refine HIV management. In Botswana, the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership (BHP) and other research entities play a central role in conducting these trials. Types of HIV Trials Treatment Trials : These trials systematically assess new drugs and therapies. They begin by focusing on safety and effectiveness, progressing to later stages to confirm findings in larger groups. The advancements in antiretroviral therapy, which have significantly reduced side effects and improved quality of life for those with HIV, underscore the importance of these trials. Prevention Trials : Critical for reducing HIV transmission, these trials test strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and vaccines. Despite challenges in vaccine development, PrEP has proven highly effective in lowering transmission rates among high-risk groups. Comorbidity S...

 As we approach the 2024 National Candlelight Memorial on 9th June and World AIDS Day on 1st December, both taking place in Tlokweng, I find myself reflecting on my own journey with HIV—a diagnosis I received over 28 years ago. I've lived through the pre-treatment era and the AZT era, to the present day, where novel therapies like the Long-Acting Injectable regimen of Cabotegravir (CAB) and Rilpivirine are beginning to be rolled out. Having witnessed firsthand the evolution of HIV care—from an era where treatment was only initiated once CD4 counts fell below 350 cells/mm³—I am astounded by the leaps in medical research and treatment accessibility. Today, people living with HIV (PLHIV) can lead long, healthy lives, a testament to the remarkable progress made. However, as we celebrate these advancements, we must also address the emerging challenges faced by our community, particularly the ageing population of PLHIV. Initially, when treatment rollouts began, they targeted a younger de...

Dear Friends and Champions, On 5 June, we will observe a day dedicated to honouring and recognising the resilience of individuals like us, who have lived with HIV for many years. It’s a day to reflect on our journey, celebrate our strength, and remember those we’ve lost along the way. As we commemorate this day here in Botswana, I want to address two crucial issues that impact all of us as long-term survivors. Firstly, we have observed a trend where the voices of PLHIV activists have become increasingly passive. It's time for us to change this narrative. We must mobilise ourselves to pressure for comprehensive policies that not only recognise us but also address the specific needs arising from long-term treatment and the emerging burden of NCDs. Secondly, over 50% of PLHIV in care in Botswana are over the age of 40, highlighting the growing need for services that cater specifically to the challenges faced by ageing PLHIV. This statistic underscores the importance of our advoc...